Andy Lewis, Oscar-nominated ‘Klute’ screenwriter, dead at 92

Andy Lewis was nominated for an Oscar for the 1971 thriller “Klute,” starring Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland.

Andy Lewis, an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, died in his New Hampshire home last month.

He was 92.

Advertisement

Lewis, best known for co-writing the screenplay for the 1971 thriller "Klute," died of natural causes, his partner, France Menk, told the Hollywood Reporter.

The Massachusetts native served in the Army during World War II, then began his writing career on "Omnibus."

Along with moonlighting as a speechwriter for politicians including then-Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy, Lewis worked on series like "Encounter" and "Dr. Kildare," as well as producing the Off-Broadway play "The Infantry."

"Klute," written by him and brother Dave, starred Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland, Charles Cioffi and Roy Scheider, and followed a prostitute who helped a detective solve a missing person case.

The film was nominated for best original screenplay, losing to Paddy Chayefsky's "The Hospital." Fonda won her first Academy Award, beating Julie Christie ("McCabe & Mrs. Miller"), Glenda Jackson ("Sunday Bloody Sunday"), Vanessa Redgrave ("Mary, Queen of Scots") and Janet Suzman ("Nicholas and Alexandra") for the best actress honor.

Lewis, who retired from writing in 1985, is survived by six children.

"To be sure, I feel a little timid about dying. It's something I haven't done before…And you know, as a matter of reason, that you have to let me go," he said in a prewritten statement before his death.

"I've had long lucky years. I don't feel many shames or regrets. I've done most of my chores. I'm ready to rest.

"But at this goodbye, know these things. You have filled my life. You are my pride. Know my love."